Some places don’t just look different. They feel different, and Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook were two of those places for me. When we first pulled up and the sun started to rise, it felt like we had somehow slipped off Earth and landed on another planet entirely. While Factory Butte itself is visible from the highway, Moonscape Overlook is tucked deeper inside the area and is completely out of sight until you drive in. Once you get to the edge of the lookout, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
We left after work on a Friday night, half-running on caffeine and excitement, and drove the 10 hours straight through the darkness so we could catch first light at the overlook. It was exhausting, kind of delirious, but absolutely worth it. The moment the first blue light hit the clay ridges, any tiredness disappeared.
This spot is just a few miles east of Capitol Reef National Park, so if you have an opportunity to stay longer, there is so much to explore in this area. This 3,600-foot plateau is managed by the BLM. Even though other people were scattered across the badlands, the landscape is so huge and open that it still feels wildly remote. The area is filled with free dispersed camping, and because its so vast it was easy to find a secluded spot to camp near the overlook.
Moonscape Overlook sits just a few miles past Factory Butte but completely out of view from the road. You don’t see it until you’re practically standing on the edge. And when you finally do, the ground drops away into an ocean of blue-grey ridges and lunar texture that stretches for miles.
Factory Butte
Factory Butte rises over 6,000 feet and was formed more than 90 million years ago when an inland sea covered most of Utah. The land here is made of Mancos shale and sandstone, shaped by ancient water and millions of years of erosion.
Today, it’s one of the most photogenic badland formations you can drive up to. You’ll see traces of old mining, wide-open views, and miles of ridges and textures that almost look hand-carved. You can hike, off-road (in designated areas), and camp throughout the surrounding badlands with unobstructed 360° views of the butte.
Moonscape Overlook
Keep driving past Factory Butte and you’ll eventually find Moonscape Overlook, which is easily one of the most surreal viewpoints in Utah. The entire landscape takes on this soft blue-grey tone, created by layers of ancient salt and Late Cretaceous shale. It’s chalky, sandy, and textured in a way that looks almost like the surface of the moon. From the cliff edge, the view opens up into miles of lunar canyons and grooves. It’s a place where sunrise hits hard. The shadows drop deep into the valleys, and the ridges glow with a soft metallic blue that you’ll never forget.
How to Get There
Moonscape Overlook and Factory Butte is a remote destination off Utah State Route 24. To access the view point you’ll need to follow Factory Butte road for about 5.5 miles before turning onto Coal Mine Road. Take Coal Mine Road for another 2 miles out to Skyline Rim before completing the drive on Moon Overlook Rd.
Coordinates to get to the overlook is 38°27’05.8″N 110°50’16.6″W. I recommend downloading the map ahead of time as cell service gets spotty along Factory Butte road and throughout the park. To get there you will be driving on a very bumpy dirt road, so using a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Always check the weather before traveling here because when it is wet and muddy it can become impassable.
Best Time To Visit
Sunrise and sunset are hands-down the best times to visit the overlook. The light completely transforms the landscape — shadows deepen, the ridges glow, and the whole area becomes even more dramatic and unreal. Whether you’re here to take photos or just soak in the view, these are the hours that make the entire trip worth it.
Camping
This park is completely unregulated so be sure to come prepared. There are no restrooms, no amenities, no water sources, and no designated spots. Before heading out, make sure you’re prepared for: Water, Food, Waste management, Weather changes.
Leave No Trace matters here. Since there are no facilities, make sure you pack out everything you bring in and bring multiple trash bags. If you don’t have a portable toilet set up, make sure to bring a trowel to dig cat holes and be sure to pack out your toilet paper (unless you are using a backcountry bidet).
Where to Stay
Because Moonscape Overlook sits on BLM land with no amenities, many people choose to camp directly on the badlands — and honestly, waking up here is an experience in itself. If you prefer having a comfortable base with food, water, and a real bed, the small town of Hanksville is the closest place to stay. It’s a simple desert outpost with just a handful of hotels, but it’s the perfect base if you want to explore Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook, and nearby Capitol Reef without roughing it.
Here are a few reliable options:
Whispering Sands Motel – Best for proximity
Affordable, clean, and only a short drive from both Factory Butte and Capitol Reef. Great if you want to explore all day and crash somewhere easy.
The Rim Rock Inn – Best for views
Located near Capitol Reef, with beautiful desert overlooks and an attached restaurant. A comfortable upgrade without losing the rustic desert vibe.
Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – Best for convenience
Located in nearby Torrey, this small-town lodge is great for travelers who want grocery access, restaurants, and a comfortable room after long days of exploring.
Summary
These badlands stay with you long after you leave. The area feels remote, the views feel unreal, and the early morning light hits the landscape in a way photos never fully capture. Whether you’re camping on the ridge or staying in Hanksville and driving in for sunrise, this is one of those places in southern Utah that’s genuinely worth planning for.
Only 25 miles from Capitol Reef National Park and within reach of Bryce Canyon, it’s an easy addition to any Utah road trip. If you’re camping, there’s plenty of free dispersed camping with wide-open views. If you prefer a bed, Hanksville and Torrey both offer simple, reliable places to stay.
Just remember: Moonscape Overlook has no amenities, so bring everything you need — water, food, waste supplies, and a sense of adventure.